AIM:To determine whether bispectral index (BIS) monitoring is useful for propofol administration for deep sedation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS:Fifty-nine consecutive patients ...AIM:To determine whether bispectral index (BIS) monitoring is useful for propofol administration for deep sedation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS:Fifty-nine consecutive patients with a variety of reasons for ERCP who underwent the procedure at least twice between 1 July 2010 and 30 November 2010. This was a randomized cross-over study, in which each patient underwent ERCP twice, once with BIS monitoring and once with control monitoring. Whether BIS monitoring was done during the first or second ERCP procedure was random. Patients were intermittently administered a mixed regimen including midazolam, pethidine, and propofol by trained nurses. The nurse used a routine practice to monitor sedation using the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (MOAA/S) scale or the BIS monitoring. The total amount of midazolam and propofol used and serious side effects were compared between the BIS and control groups. RESULTS:The mean total propofol dose administered was 53.1 ± 32.2 mg in the BIS group and 54.9 ± 30.8 mg in the control group (P = 0.673). The individual propofol dose received per minute during the ERCP procedure was 2.90 ± 1.83 mg/min in the BIS group and 3.44 ± 2.04 mg in the control group (P = 0.103). The median value of the MOAA/S score during the maintenance phase of sedation was comparable for the two groups. The mean BIS values throughout the procedure (from insertion to removal of the endoscope) were 76.5 ± 8.7 for all 59 patients in using the BIS monitor. No significant differences in the frequency of < 80% oxygen saturation, hypotension (< 80 mmHg), or bradycardia (< 50 beats/min) were observed between the two study groups. Four cases of poor cooperation occurred, in which the procedure should be stopped to add the propofol dose. After adding the propofol, the procedure could be conducted successfully (one case in the BIS group, three cases in the control group). The endoscopist rated patient sedation as excellent for all patients in both groups. All patients in both groups rated their level of satisfaction as high (no discomfort). During the post-procedural follow-up in the recovery area, no cases of clinically significant hypoxic episodes were recorded in either group. No other postoperative side effects related to sedation were observed in either group. CONCLUSION:BIS monitoring trend to slighlty reduce the mean propofol dose. Nurse-administered propofol sedation under the supervision of a gastroenterologist may be considered an alternative under anesthesiologist.展开更多
In order to study the response of collision speed caused by the large bus to new flexible barrier,in this paper,with the large bus as the carrier,the full-scale impact tests between flexible barrier and vehicle with t...In order to study the response of collision speed caused by the large bus to new flexible barrier,in this paper,with the large bus as the carrier,the full-scale impact tests between flexible barrier and vehicle with the impact velocities of 40 km/h and 60 km/h were carried out separately,following the procedures of the test preparation,test processing,data acquisition, etc,which were based on the test platform of the Large Structure Crash Testing Laboratory of Changsha University of Science and Technology. The important test results which contain the damage of vehicles and barrier,the moving locus of vehicle,the occupant risk index,the maximum dynamic deformation, etc,were obtained through the analysis under the different collision speeds. These provide the necessary reference basis for the further research on the structure topology optimization and improve the comprehensive constraint performance to the flexible barrier.展开更多
Objective:This study aimed to develop the Hospital Nurse Interpersonal Empathy Questionnaire(HNIEQ)and evaluate its psychometric properties.Methods:The primary version of HNIEQ was deductively developed through review...Objective:This study aimed to develop the Hospital Nurse Interpersonal Empathy Questionnaire(HNIEQ)and evaluate its psychometric properties.Methods:The primary version of HNIEQ was deductively developed through reviewing the literature,and then,its face and content validity were assessed.For construct validity assessment,250 hospital nurses were randomly selected from hospitals of Kashan,Iran.Their data were used for exploratory factor analysis.Internal consistency was assessed through Cronbach's α coefficient and questionnaire stability was assessed through test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient.Ceiling and floor effects were also assessed.Data analysis was done via the SPSS program(v.16.0).Results:The final version of HNIEQ contained 45 items.Exploratory factor analysis revealed a six-factor structure(empathetic and ethical attention,perspective adoption,emotional affectability,altruism,emotion identification and responsivity,and reflection forecasting)for the questionnaire which explained 52.7%of the total variance of its total score.The Cronbach's α coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient of HNIEQ were 0.953 and 0.972,respectively.Conclusion:HNIEQ is a valid and reliable instrument for empathy assessment among nurses.展开更多
The Integrated Marine Observing System [IMOS] is an Australian national program for observing the oceans around Australia. As one of its important nodes, the New South Wales Integrated Marine Observing System (NSW-IM...The Integrated Marine Observing System [IMOS] is an Australian national program for observing the oceans around Australia. As one of its important nodes, the New South Wales Integrated Marine Observing System (NSW-IMOS] aims to provide more accurate descriptions of the East Australian Current [EAC]. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the potential economic benefits from NSW-IMOS. Six related sectors which can potentially be among its main beneficiaries are considered: beach recreation, commercial fishing, recreational fishing, recreational boating, natural hazard predictions, and oil spill mitigation. The 1% constant percentage increase evaluation method is used to estimate the potential economic benefits to these six beneficiaries. By using this method, our study shows that the total potential economic benefit for these sectors is estimated to be $ 6.07 million per year. We consider that this is indicative but not conclusive in demonstrating some of the potential economic benefits that can be provided from information gathered by NSW-IMOS facilities. We conclude with further evaluative approaches that could be used to provide more accurate estimates of potential economic benefits.展开更多
Objective:Preterm infants are subjected to numerous painful procedures during their neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)hospitalization.Despite advancements in pain alleviation,nurses remain challenged to provide timely...Objective:Preterm infants are subjected to numerous painful procedures during their neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)hospitalization.Despite advancements in pain alleviation,nurses remain challenged to provide timely and effective pain management for preterm infants.Greater understanding of the lived experience of nurses caring for preterm infants in pain could provide novel insights to improve pain management for this vulnerable population.The aim of this meta-ethnography was to synthesize and interpret qualitative findings of nurses’experiences of taking care of preterm infants in pain.Methods:An extensive literature search in PubMed,CINAHL,PsycINFO,Scopus,BIOSIS and ProQuest Dissertation and Theses Database was conducted,including studies within the past 10 years.Two nursing researchers conducted data extraction and analysis independently.Inclusion criteria were applied to search for qualitative studies of nurse participants who worked in the NICU taking care of preterm infants.Studies published in a language other than English,articles that did not include qualitative data and qualitative data that could not be extracted from the findings or did not discuss nurses’experiences were excluded.Critical Appraisal Skills Programme was used for literature quality evaluation.Results:Eight studies remained after further screening according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.These eight studies were conducted from 2013 to 2018 and totally enrolled 205 nurses from Iran,Canada,the United States,Finland,Sweden,Switzerland,and Australia.Five themes emerged on the nurses’perspectives of taking care of preterm infants in pain:1)They sense the neonatal pain;2)Adverse consequences of unrelieved pain;3)Barriers of managing pain;4)Concerns of available approaches for pain relief;5)Failure to work with parents.Conclusions:This meta-ethnography identified nurses’understanding of pain in preterm infants that can be assessed,and they acknowledged that unrelieved pain could cause developmental deficits in infants.The barriers are lack of training and support on pain assessment and intervention in preterm infants.Optimizing workload and environment,developing age-specified pain assessment and intervention,receiving emotional support and training,and building up a rapport with parents are urgent needs for nurses to provide better care to infants having pain.展开更多
An underground coal mine located in New South Wales has a target coal seam located 160-180 m deep directly below a 16-20 m thick conglomerate unit that has been associated with significant periodic weighting events on...An underground coal mine located in New South Wales has a target coal seam located 160-180 m deep directly below a 16-20 m thick conglomerate unit that has been associated with significant periodic weighting events on the Iongwall face. As part of the investigations to better understand the causes of periodic weighting at the mine. inclinometers capable of measuring horizontal shear movements through the full section of the overburden strata were installed ahead of mining at two locations approximately 1 km apart above the centre of two iongwall panels. These inclinometers were monitored as the longwall approached each site. This paper presents the details of the installation, the results of the inclinometer monitoring at both sites, and the insights that these measurements provide for overburden behaviour about longwall panels. Horizontal shear movements were observed to develop on shear horizons that correlate closely across the two sites suggesting a mechanism that is consistent across a large area of the mine. Shear movements were observed to develop on a single horizon near the top of the conglomerate strata that was mobilised almost immediately after initial formation of the longwall goal at a distance of 425 m ahead of the longwall face.展开更多
University of New South Wales(UNSW Australia) had been involved in the study of premature failure of rock bolts in Australia coal mines from the initial identification of the problem in 1999. Rock bolt steel changes o...University of New South Wales(UNSW Australia) had been involved in the study of premature failure of rock bolts in Australia coal mines from the initial identification of the problem in 1999. Rock bolt steel changes over the last decade appear to have not reduced the incidence of failures. A broadened UNSW research project funded by the Australian Research Council(ARC) and Industry has targeted finding the environmental causes through extensive field and laboratory experiments. This paper describes the field studies conducted in underground coal mines,in particular attempts to measure the contribution to corrosion from groundwater,mineralogy and microbial activity. Various underground survey techniques were used to determine the extent of broken bolts,with the presence of both stress corrosion cracking(SCC) and localized deep pitting making no single technique suitable on their own.Groundwater found dripping from bolts across various coalfields in Australia were found to be not aggressive and known groundwater corrosivity classification systems did not correlate to where broken bolts were found. In-hole coupon bolts placed in roof strata containing claystone bands confirmed the clay as being a major contributor to corrosion. Microbes capable of contributing to steel corrosion were found to be present in groundwater,and culturing of the microbes taken from in-situ coupon bolts proved that the bacteria was present on the bolt surface. An ‘in-hole bolt corrosion coupon' development by the project may have multiple benefits of (1) helping quantify newly developed corrosivity classification systems,(2) providing an in-situ ground support corrosion monitoring tool,and (3) for testing possible corrosion protection solutions.展开更多
The global financial crisis (GFC) has placed the creditworthiness of banks under intense scrutiny. In particular, capital adequacy has been called into question. Current capital requirements make no allowance for ca...The global financial crisis (GFC) has placed the creditworthiness of banks under intense scrutiny. In particular, capital adequacy has been called into question. Current capital requirements make no allowance for capital erosion caused by movements in the market value of assets. This paper examines default probabilities of Swiss banks under extreme conditions using structural modeling techniques. Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) and Conditional Probability of Default (CPD) techniques are used to measure capital erosion. Significant increase in Probability of Default (PD) is found during the GFC period. The market asset value based approach indicates a much higher PD than external ratings indicate. Capital adequacy recommendations are formulated which distinguish between real and nominal capital based on asset fluctuations.展开更多
Objective:This study aimed to develop Nurses and Midwives’Perceptions of their Roles in Primary Healthcare(NMPR-PHC)and evaluate its psychometric properties.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was performed to recruit a...Objective:This study aimed to develop Nurses and Midwives’Perceptions of their Roles in Primary Healthcare(NMPR-PHC)and evaluate its psychometric properties.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was performed to recruit a convenient sample of 150 registered nurses and midwives from various primary healthcare settings in Jordan.Reliability was evaluated by examining the internal consistency and split-half reliability of the item.A exploratory factor analysis was performed to assess the factor structure of the NMPR-PHC.Results:The final version of NMPR-PHC contained 18 items.Exploratory factor analysis revealed six factors(care coordination and interprofessional collaboration,workplace facilitators of the primary healthcare,management of care,research,workplace constraints of primary healthcare,and advanced education)for the questionnaire which explained 66.49%of the total variance.The Cronbach’s a of the total scale was 0.834,the subscales Cronbach’s a were ranging between 0.662 and 0.770,and the splithalf reliability of the total scale was 0.734.Conclusion:The overall performance of the questionnaire showed promising sound psychometric properties.The NMPR-PHC can be recommended for use as a tool for the assessment of nurses and midwives’perceptions of their roles in primary healthcare.展开更多
Early detection of pregnancy is advantageous to breeders. However, tools that were used in the early pregnancy detection are expensive, laboratory-based and not efficient and applicable enough in the field to farmers....Early detection of pregnancy is advantageous to breeders. However, tools that were used in the early pregnancy detection are expensive, laboratory-based and not efficient and applicable enough in the field to farmers. Thus, there is a need to find a biomarker which not only can detect pregnancy but also could be applied to the livestock on the field. Proteomic approach was used in this study as to search for early pregnancy biomarker. When goat sera at day 14 of gestation were resolved by using two dimensional gel electrophoresis, five differentially expressed proteins were detected. Four of the proteins were identified as albumin precursors, immunoglobulin lambda light chain and zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein. Pregnancy associated glycoprotein-1 was detected by using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and the protein was validated by immunoblotting. These proteins have potential to be used as a biomarker for early pregnancy detection, however, more extensive analysis are needed to validate its possibility.展开更多
Enterprises are looking to adapt to this scenario focusing on performance, seeking to improve the level of service and reduce costs in an attempt to differentiate and increase the perceived value of their customers. A...Enterprises are looking to adapt to this scenario focusing on performance, seeking to improve the level of service and reduce costs in an attempt to differentiate and increase the perceived value of their customers. A strong partner to achieve these goals is the information technology (IT). IT has an important role in the performance of companies, providing a flow of information that makes the supply chain more robust and resilient, without compromising efficiency. To achieve the objective of this research, a survey of the literature on the four models was studied and then a field research with professionals was conducted in the areas of IT and supply chain management (SCM) of various companies of Sao Paulo. To collect the data needed for analysis, we used the exploratory research of a qualitative nature. Thus, we conclude that the use of IT impacts supply chain in five surveyed areas as planning, manufacturing, suppliers, customers, and delivery but does not impact the return area.展开更多
The leopard moth (Zeuzera pyrina L), is a cossid whose larvae bore into twigs, branches and trunks of various woody species, weakening and killing trees or shrubs. Recently it caused serious losses of apple trees in...The leopard moth (Zeuzera pyrina L), is a cossid whose larvae bore into twigs, branches and trunks of various woody species, weakening and killing trees or shrubs. Recently it caused serious losses of apple trees in Syria. The flight dynamics of Z. pyrina was monitored by pheromone traps (first time in Syria) compared to light trap device. This study was carried out in Damascus countryside, Qunaytirah and Sweida provinces during 2007-2008. Results indicated that the flight of moths during 2007 started in early June in Damascus countryside and Sweida provinces. The highest number of caught adults (the highest peak) was concentrated in mid July in Sweida province, whereas in Damascus countryside province there were a high peak in mid June and a small peak in early July. On the other hand, flight of moths during 2008 started in mid-May in Damascus countryside province while in Qunaytirah province started in early June. The highest number of caught adults (the highest peak) was concentrated in late July in Damascus countryside, whereas in Qunaytirah province there were small peaks in mid June and mid July. Experiments conducted to evaluate capturing efficiency of different types of traps (pheromone traps and light trap) demonstrated that there was significantly high difference within the trap devices, wherein Capta trap got the best results and caught more males than the others.展开更多
文摘AIM:To determine whether bispectral index (BIS) monitoring is useful for propofol administration for deep sedation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS:Fifty-nine consecutive patients with a variety of reasons for ERCP who underwent the procedure at least twice between 1 July 2010 and 30 November 2010. This was a randomized cross-over study, in which each patient underwent ERCP twice, once with BIS monitoring and once with control monitoring. Whether BIS monitoring was done during the first or second ERCP procedure was random. Patients were intermittently administered a mixed regimen including midazolam, pethidine, and propofol by trained nurses. The nurse used a routine practice to monitor sedation using the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (MOAA/S) scale or the BIS monitoring. The total amount of midazolam and propofol used and serious side effects were compared between the BIS and control groups. RESULTS:The mean total propofol dose administered was 53.1 ± 32.2 mg in the BIS group and 54.9 ± 30.8 mg in the control group (P = 0.673). The individual propofol dose received per minute during the ERCP procedure was 2.90 ± 1.83 mg/min in the BIS group and 3.44 ± 2.04 mg in the control group (P = 0.103). The median value of the MOAA/S score during the maintenance phase of sedation was comparable for the two groups. The mean BIS values throughout the procedure (from insertion to removal of the endoscope) were 76.5 ± 8.7 for all 59 patients in using the BIS monitor. No significant differences in the frequency of < 80% oxygen saturation, hypotension (< 80 mmHg), or bradycardia (< 50 beats/min) were observed between the two study groups. Four cases of poor cooperation occurred, in which the procedure should be stopped to add the propofol dose. After adding the propofol, the procedure could be conducted successfully (one case in the BIS group, three cases in the control group). The endoscopist rated patient sedation as excellent for all patients in both groups. All patients in both groups rated their level of satisfaction as high (no discomfort). During the post-procedural follow-up in the recovery area, no cases of clinically significant hypoxic episodes were recorded in either group. No other postoperative side effects related to sedation were observed in either group. CONCLUSION:BIS monitoring trend to slighlty reduce the mean propofol dose. Nurse-administered propofol sedation under the supervision of a gastroenterologist may be considered an alternative under anesthesiologist.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51175050)
文摘In order to study the response of collision speed caused by the large bus to new flexible barrier,in this paper,with the large bus as the carrier,the full-scale impact tests between flexible barrier and vehicle with the impact velocities of 40 km/h and 60 km/h were carried out separately,following the procedures of the test preparation,test processing,data acquisition, etc,which were based on the test platform of the Large Structure Crash Testing Laboratory of Changsha University of Science and Technology. The important test results which contain the damage of vehicles and barrier,the moving locus of vehicle,the occupant risk index,the maximum dynamic deformation, etc,were obtained through the analysis under the different collision speeds. These provide the necessary reference basis for the further research on the structure topology optimization and improve the comprehensive constraint performance to the flexible barrier.
基金This study was part of the first author's Master's thesis in Medical-Surgical Nursing which was financially supported by the Research and Technology Administration of Kashan University of Medical Sciences,Kashan,Iran.The authors must thank all study nurses who participated in the study and the Research and Tech-nology Administration of Kashan University of Medical Sciences.
文摘Objective:This study aimed to develop the Hospital Nurse Interpersonal Empathy Questionnaire(HNIEQ)and evaluate its psychometric properties.Methods:The primary version of HNIEQ was deductively developed through reviewing the literature,and then,its face and content validity were assessed.For construct validity assessment,250 hospital nurses were randomly selected from hospitals of Kashan,Iran.Their data were used for exploratory factor analysis.Internal consistency was assessed through Cronbach's α coefficient and questionnaire stability was assessed through test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient.Ceiling and floor effects were also assessed.Data analysis was done via the SPSS program(v.16.0).Results:The final version of HNIEQ contained 45 items.Exploratory factor analysis revealed a six-factor structure(empathetic and ethical attention,perspective adoption,emotional affectability,altruism,emotion identification and responsivity,and reflection forecasting)for the questionnaire which explained 52.7%of the total variance of its total score.The Cronbach's α coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient of HNIEQ were 0.953 and 0.972,respectively.Conclusion:HNIEQ is a valid and reliable instrument for empathy assessment among nurses.
文摘The Integrated Marine Observing System [IMOS] is an Australian national program for observing the oceans around Australia. As one of its important nodes, the New South Wales Integrated Marine Observing System (NSW-IMOS] aims to provide more accurate descriptions of the East Australian Current [EAC]. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the potential economic benefits from NSW-IMOS. Six related sectors which can potentially be among its main beneficiaries are considered: beach recreation, commercial fishing, recreational fishing, recreational boating, natural hazard predictions, and oil spill mitigation. The 1% constant percentage increase evaluation method is used to estimate the potential economic benefits to these six beneficiaries. By using this method, our study shows that the total potential economic benefit for these sectors is estimated to be $ 6.07 million per year. We consider that this is indicative but not conclusive in demonstrating some of the potential economic benefits that can be provided from information gathered by NSW-IMOS facilities. We conclude with further evaluative approaches that could be used to provide more accurate estimates of potential economic benefits.
文摘Objective:Preterm infants are subjected to numerous painful procedures during their neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)hospitalization.Despite advancements in pain alleviation,nurses remain challenged to provide timely and effective pain management for preterm infants.Greater understanding of the lived experience of nurses caring for preterm infants in pain could provide novel insights to improve pain management for this vulnerable population.The aim of this meta-ethnography was to synthesize and interpret qualitative findings of nurses’experiences of taking care of preterm infants in pain.Methods:An extensive literature search in PubMed,CINAHL,PsycINFO,Scopus,BIOSIS and ProQuest Dissertation and Theses Database was conducted,including studies within the past 10 years.Two nursing researchers conducted data extraction and analysis independently.Inclusion criteria were applied to search for qualitative studies of nurse participants who worked in the NICU taking care of preterm infants.Studies published in a language other than English,articles that did not include qualitative data and qualitative data that could not be extracted from the findings or did not discuss nurses’experiences were excluded.Critical Appraisal Skills Programme was used for literature quality evaluation.Results:Eight studies remained after further screening according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.These eight studies were conducted from 2013 to 2018 and totally enrolled 205 nurses from Iran,Canada,the United States,Finland,Sweden,Switzerland,and Australia.Five themes emerged on the nurses’perspectives of taking care of preterm infants in pain:1)They sense the neonatal pain;2)Adverse consequences of unrelieved pain;3)Barriers of managing pain;4)Concerns of available approaches for pain relief;5)Failure to work with parents.Conclusions:This meta-ethnography identified nurses’understanding of pain in preterm infants that can be assessed,and they acknowledged that unrelieved pain could cause developmental deficits in infants.The barriers are lack of training and support on pain assessment and intervention in preterm infants.Optimizing workload and environment,developing age-specified pain assessment and intervention,receiving emotional support and training,and building up a rapport with parents are urgent needs for nurses to provide better care to infants having pain.
文摘An underground coal mine located in New South Wales has a target coal seam located 160-180 m deep directly below a 16-20 m thick conglomerate unit that has been associated with significant periodic weighting events on the Iongwall face. As part of the investigations to better understand the causes of periodic weighting at the mine. inclinometers capable of measuring horizontal shear movements through the full section of the overburden strata were installed ahead of mining at two locations approximately 1 km apart above the centre of two iongwall panels. These inclinometers were monitored as the longwall approached each site. This paper presents the details of the installation, the results of the inclinometer monitoring at both sites, and the insights that these measurements provide for overburden behaviour about longwall panels. Horizontal shear movements were observed to develop on shear horizons that correlate closely across the two sites suggesting a mechanism that is consistent across a large area of the mine. Shear movements were observed to develop on a single horizon near the top of the conglomerate strata that was mobilised almost immediately after initial formation of the longwall goal at a distance of 425 m ahead of the longwall face.
基金the UNSW ARC funded project,these companies includeAnglo American Coal,BHP Billiton,Centennial Coal,Glencore,Jennmar Australia and Whitehaven Coal
文摘University of New South Wales(UNSW Australia) had been involved in the study of premature failure of rock bolts in Australia coal mines from the initial identification of the problem in 1999. Rock bolt steel changes over the last decade appear to have not reduced the incidence of failures. A broadened UNSW research project funded by the Australian Research Council(ARC) and Industry has targeted finding the environmental causes through extensive field and laboratory experiments. This paper describes the field studies conducted in underground coal mines,in particular attempts to measure the contribution to corrosion from groundwater,mineralogy and microbial activity. Various underground survey techniques were used to determine the extent of broken bolts,with the presence of both stress corrosion cracking(SCC) and localized deep pitting making no single technique suitable on their own.Groundwater found dripping from bolts across various coalfields in Australia were found to be not aggressive and known groundwater corrosivity classification systems did not correlate to where broken bolts were found. In-hole coupon bolts placed in roof strata containing claystone bands confirmed the clay as being a major contributor to corrosion. Microbes capable of contributing to steel corrosion were found to be present in groundwater,and culturing of the microbes taken from in-situ coupon bolts proved that the bacteria was present on the bolt surface. An ‘in-hole bolt corrosion coupon' development by the project may have multiple benefits of (1) helping quantify newly developed corrosivity classification systems,(2) providing an in-situ ground support corrosion monitoring tool,and (3) for testing possible corrosion protection solutions.
文摘The global financial crisis (GFC) has placed the creditworthiness of banks under intense scrutiny. In particular, capital adequacy has been called into question. Current capital requirements make no allowance for capital erosion caused by movements in the market value of assets. This paper examines default probabilities of Swiss banks under extreme conditions using structural modeling techniques. Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) and Conditional Probability of Default (CPD) techniques are used to measure capital erosion. Significant increase in Probability of Default (PD) is found during the GFC period. The market asset value based approach indicates a much higher PD than external ratings indicate. Capital adequacy recommendations are formulated which distinguish between real and nominal capital based on asset fluctuations.
基金We would like to thank the Jordan University of Science and Technology/Irbid Jordan Funding Agrrement ID:20180184 for their support and funding and the dear nurses and midwives who were able to devote part of their valuable time to participate in this study.
文摘Objective:This study aimed to develop Nurses and Midwives’Perceptions of their Roles in Primary Healthcare(NMPR-PHC)and evaluate its psychometric properties.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was performed to recruit a convenient sample of 150 registered nurses and midwives from various primary healthcare settings in Jordan.Reliability was evaluated by examining the internal consistency and split-half reliability of the item.A exploratory factor analysis was performed to assess the factor structure of the NMPR-PHC.Results:The final version of NMPR-PHC contained 18 items.Exploratory factor analysis revealed six factors(care coordination and interprofessional collaboration,workplace facilitators of the primary healthcare,management of care,research,workplace constraints of primary healthcare,and advanced education)for the questionnaire which explained 66.49%of the total variance.The Cronbach’s a of the total scale was 0.834,the subscales Cronbach’s a were ranging between 0.662 and 0.770,and the splithalf reliability of the total scale was 0.734.Conclusion:The overall performance of the questionnaire showed promising sound psychometric properties.The NMPR-PHC can be recommended for use as a tool for the assessment of nurses and midwives’perceptions of their roles in primary healthcare.
文摘Early detection of pregnancy is advantageous to breeders. However, tools that were used in the early pregnancy detection are expensive, laboratory-based and not efficient and applicable enough in the field to farmers. Thus, there is a need to find a biomarker which not only can detect pregnancy but also could be applied to the livestock on the field. Proteomic approach was used in this study as to search for early pregnancy biomarker. When goat sera at day 14 of gestation were resolved by using two dimensional gel electrophoresis, five differentially expressed proteins were detected. Four of the proteins were identified as albumin precursors, immunoglobulin lambda light chain and zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein. Pregnancy associated glycoprotein-1 was detected by using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and the protein was validated by immunoblotting. These proteins have potential to be used as a biomarker for early pregnancy detection, however, more extensive analysis are needed to validate its possibility.
文摘Enterprises are looking to adapt to this scenario focusing on performance, seeking to improve the level of service and reduce costs in an attempt to differentiate and increase the perceived value of their customers. A strong partner to achieve these goals is the information technology (IT). IT has an important role in the performance of companies, providing a flow of information that makes the supply chain more robust and resilient, without compromising efficiency. To achieve the objective of this research, a survey of the literature on the four models was studied and then a field research with professionals was conducted in the areas of IT and supply chain management (SCM) of various companies of Sao Paulo. To collect the data needed for analysis, we used the exploratory research of a qualitative nature. Thus, we conclude that the use of IT impacts supply chain in five surveyed areas as planning, manufacturing, suppliers, customers, and delivery but does not impact the return area.
文摘The leopard moth (Zeuzera pyrina L), is a cossid whose larvae bore into twigs, branches and trunks of various woody species, weakening and killing trees or shrubs. Recently it caused serious losses of apple trees in Syria. The flight dynamics of Z. pyrina was monitored by pheromone traps (first time in Syria) compared to light trap device. This study was carried out in Damascus countryside, Qunaytirah and Sweida provinces during 2007-2008. Results indicated that the flight of moths during 2007 started in early June in Damascus countryside and Sweida provinces. The highest number of caught adults (the highest peak) was concentrated in mid July in Sweida province, whereas in Damascus countryside province there were a high peak in mid June and a small peak in early July. On the other hand, flight of moths during 2008 started in mid-May in Damascus countryside province while in Qunaytirah province started in early June. The highest number of caught adults (the highest peak) was concentrated in late July in Damascus countryside, whereas in Qunaytirah province there were small peaks in mid June and mid July. Experiments conducted to evaluate capturing efficiency of different types of traps (pheromone traps and light trap) demonstrated that there was significantly high difference within the trap devices, wherein Capta trap got the best results and caught more males than the others.